Pulse

Made in South Africa

A group of video game developers become trapped in a real-world version of their own creation when they’re cornered in their high-rise office building by a madman who just wants to play.

In Pulse, an international group of video game creators discover that survival is no longer just a game when they're trapped in their high-rise office building after a catastrophic event.

It was picked by the Hollywood Reporter as one of the 25 buzziest series at this year’s MIPTV, a leading global TV market in Cannes, France.

Pulse is now streaming, exclusively on Showmax.

“Pulse is unique in so many ways,” says SAFTA winner Tarryn Wyngaard (Stam, DAM, Dwaalster). She plays Jaz, creator of a hit indie game that’s getting a mainstream reboot, for better or worse. “Stephen Clarke’s scripts were so incredibly out of this world and like nothing I’ve ever read before.”

SAFTA winner Thapelo Mokoena (Trackers, Bulletproof, Wild at Heart) is playing against type as her ex, the reboot’s narcissistic producer. “There isn’t anything like this show,” he says. “No offence to every other amazing series I’ve made, but Pulse is really one of the most, if not the most, amazing project I’ve ever made in my 20-year career.”

Binge it now on Showmax »

Watch full episodes

Dom (Sven Ruygrok)

Dom is the building janitor, and he has a saviour complex that could either bring the group to safety - or lead them straight into danger.

Eddie (Carel Nel)

The building's security officer, Eddie is obsessed with Pulse, the computer game that's being released - an obsession that'll play out in a deadly way.

Caspar (Earl Wan)

Game developer Caspar is a hypochondriac. Will his nervous disposition endanger the group as they try to navigate their way out of the building?

Errol (Thapelo Mokoena)

As handsome as he is arrogant, Errol is the game producer and team leader. He's played by Thapelo Mokoena (Trackers, Bulletproof).

Jaz (Tarynn Wyngaard)

A troubled video game designer, Jaz has a public face - but it's hiding some secret trauma that might come out as she fights for her life.

In the press

IOL
Thapelo Mokoena goes against the grain in new Showmax series Pulse
“Pulse is a journey that introduces you to the different types of people – their strengths and weaknesses, the highs and lows, the securities and insecurities – through the world of gaming."
Pfangirl
Stream scene
"Garnering quite some international buzz, this local high-tech horror series looks to set your… pulse pounding. Shot in South Africa and Mauritius, this new series boasts a who’s who of local talent in front of and behind the scene, and looks especially intriguing if you’re a gamer – and hey, would you look at that! I am!"
Huisgenoot
Pulse
"Pulse is uniek op soveel maniere," het Tarryn [Wyngaard] al vertel. "Stephen Clarke se draaiboek was so ongelooflik onvoorspelbaar en soos niks wat ek al ooit voorheen gelees het nie."

More Mzansi gold

Sandra Stein makes her debut on Law, Love and Betrayal S2

Shannon Esra joins Law, Love and Betrayal S2 in her recurring role as Sandra Stein. Premieres 8 March 2026 on Mzansi Magic and 9 March on Showmax.

Original South Africa

Albert Pretorius on Die Kantoor, SA’s re-imagining of The Office

Albert Pretorius takes on the iconic boss role in Die Kantoor. The first episodes land on Showmax on Tuesday, 20 January, with new episodes weekly.

OriginalMade in South Africa

The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa.jpg

20+ addictive South African reality shows to stream

Stream The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip - Africa, Vaal Riviera, The Real Housewives of Durban, The Mommy Club, and more of South Africa's best reality shows on Showmax.

Made in South Africa

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills S15 on Showmax

Where to watch The Real Housewives franchise online

Showmax is the home of The Real Housewives, giving an inside look at the lives of these glam women from Durban, Abuja, Lagos, Joburg, Nairobi and more. Plus, go on vacation with The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip!

Original